Now, some comments on the One quality, the finest Facebook page have suggested that my list of Christmas suggestions is long and might result in bankruptcy for Santa. I’m wounded! Frankly, Eartha Kitt set the bar far higher in her 1953 hit, “Santa Baby.” But, I’m reasonable. Today, I’m just asking Santa for a candle. Not just any candle, of course, but one by Diptyque. Multiple sizes and fifty scents – Santa, just check it out.

Diptyque’s been in business at 34 blvd. Saint-Germain since 1961. At first, the three partners were interested more in their custom fabrics, and they dyed some candles to match. The candles took off with their customers and became the main event. The fragrances are inspired by the travels of the three partners. Their most popular candle is the Baies scent – a combination of blackcurrant and Bulgarian rose. The distinctive black and white labels designed by one of the partners each have an illustration that represents the scent. Santa, they have multiple locations in France, the US, England, and the Middle East, as well as a proud spot in many top stores, or even here on-line. But how could you forgo going to a boutique where you can inhale the fragrances deeply and find the one just right for you or for someone special?

Today’s expression, en voir trente-six chandelles (ohn vwar trehnt seese shandell), means “to see 36 candles.” You use this expression when you’ve had a hit on the head that makes you dizzy. We say “seeing stars.” At the Diptyque store, the 50 scents may make you swoon, but they won’t make you see stars.